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Volunteer

JGI's International Volunteer Program

The Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) International Volunteer Program gives volunteers from all over the world the opportunity to the participate in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program in Tanzania. Tanzania is the location where the environmental and humanitarian education program was founded.

International volunteers have been vital to the Roots & Shoots program in Tanzania. One of the most important aspects of the international volunteer program is the cultural exchange that occurs between international volunteers and local Roots & Shoots program members, staff, and volunteers. These interactions alone fulfill a goal the Roots & Shoots mission, that of promoting understanding of all cultures and beliefs.

After a three to four week orientation in Dar es Salaam, volunteers are placed in one of four locations in Tanzania: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro or Moshi. Placements are made prior to the volunteer's arrival in Tanzania and are based upon the individual volunteer’s interests and background, space in each location, and the current needs of the program.

Note: at this time the International Volunteer Program is currently on hold as it is being restructured. Click here sign up for more information when the program is relaunched and for news and updates from the Jane Goodall Institute.

Activity Descriptions:

The primary role of the volunteer program is to collaborate with local staff and volunteers to support Roots & Shoots-Tanzania clubs. Volunteers facilitate educational activities and assist in the planning and implementation of projects that make a difference in the local environment and communities. More specific activities that former volunteers have participated in include the following:

Facilitate field trips to Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Parks.

Fuel efficient stove promotion and construction initiatives.

Other Details

Program Fees:

The volunteer contributes the following program fee to cover living, program, and administrative expenses:

Dar es Salaam: $4,200 for 6 months, $600 for each addition month

Moshi: $5,200 for 6 months, $800 for each additional month (2 meals per day included)

Arusha & Morogoro: $4,700 for six months, $700 for each additional month

What is covered by the contribution?

Accommodation in country

Local travel and communication (including cell phone)

Basic Kiswahili language training

In-country program orientation, training and materials

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Professional staff coordination and support

Administrative fees

Moshi ONLY: two meals per day

Residence Permit ($550 USD value)

What is NOT covered by the contribution?

Airfare to and from Tanzania

Passport fees

Immunizations

Visa entry fees ($50 to $100 USD depending on your citizenship)

Medical/travel insurance

Food

Spending money

Testimonials

As a volunteer with Roots & Shoots in Tanzania I was rewarded with the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most passionate and environmentally conscious youth. Tanzanian youth have a bright environmental future ahead of them and I was so fortunate to be apart of their learning process.

—Laurel, 2008 International Volunteer

My favorite aspect about being an International Volunteer with Roots & Shoots Tanzania was the ability that R&S youth had to keep me in a constant state of awe as I witnessed the unyielding passion driving their ideas, discussions and projects. It was absolutely incredible to travel to remote villages and find in the midst of dust and grass, a dynamic R&S clubs excited to show off their outstanding projects.

—Erica Hall, 2011 International Volunteer

Qualifications/Experience:

We are seeking individuals who have experience in one or more of the following areas: environmental education, community development, public health, teaching, sciences, conservation, event planning, fundraising, and grant writing. The ideal volunteer is mature, flexible, patient, self-motivated, creative, culturally competent, adapts to new environments easily, and possesses a sense of humor. Experience working in Africa or a developing country is a plus. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older.

Program Start Dates:

Six month volunteer placements begin in January, February, July, and August of every year.

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to the JGI International Volunteer Recruiter at volunteer.jgi.tanzania@gmail.com. Please note that due to the high number of applications and inquiries, only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.